Disposable toothbrush with internal toothpaste gel with mini breath freshener crystals, sponge tongue pad and dental floss dispenser assembly

ABSTRACT

The toothbrush assembly comprises a brush head assembly connected to an elongate tubular handle housing having a rotatable base attached at the distal end. The brush head assembly comprises a head with rows of bristles surrounded by a plurality of apertures, and a hollow stem. The rear surface of the head has an attached sponge pad. The hollow stem has a channel disposed along a longitudinal axis therein for fluid communication with the apertures in the head on one end and with the toothpaste/gel filled in the housing on an opposing end. A non-toxic plastic coiled stem extends up from the top center of the base and a circular platform surrounds the stem. Turning the base activates the platform to move up the stem and pressurize the toothpaste/gel in the housing and propel it up the channel and out through the apertures. A floss dispenser is conveniently housed in the base.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application derives priority from provisional patentapplication No. 60/682,036, filed May 18, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is a specially designed, portable, disposabletoothbrush with toothpaste gel and mini breath fresheners, sponge tonguepad, and dental floss unit all in one convenient toothbrush. Thedisposable toothbrush is compact and lightweight, perfect for home,office, travel, or anywhere as a sanitary solution.

2. Description of the Background

Brushing one's teeth is one of the most important parts of healthyhygiene. Design intent is to provide consumers with a convenient andhygienic means of brushing, flossing, and freshening breath while on thego. Compact and portable, this handy product would allow users to haveaccess to proper oral hygiene at all times, that 1) has a plungerassembly for dispensing toothpaste or gel from within the hollowcylindrical handle of the toothbrush, 2) located in the base end cap, asmall receptacle that stores a length of dental floss, 3) has a spongetongue pad, firmly mounted to the head of the toothbrush for killing anygerms and bacteria that could grow inside the mouth, 4) enclosed, clear,plastic, durable casing that fits firmly to the toothbrush body toprotect the unit from harmful germs and bacteria when not in use, 5)designed to provide an average of 10 days use and then discarded, 6) hassignificant benefits and advantages, yet scalable, design fabricated ofdurable, lightweight, flexible, resilient materials, and 7) affordablypriced, and its characteristics are not unlike existing productionmethodology used today to manufacture similar products. Production wouldbe very straightforward and would have a very sizable market potentialand worldwide use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide aninnovative product that would provide consumers with an effective andexpedient means of brushing teeth. This is a practical approach tohealthy, oral hygiene and it provides a quick and sanitary solution.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a disposabletoothbrush assembly with various toothpastes and gels with mini breathfreshener crystals and a dental floss dispenser that can be used for theduration of a 10-12 day trip as it contains enough toothpaste/gel anddental floss for such time period.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a disposabletoothbrush assembly with various toothpastes and gels with mini breathfreshener crystals and a dental floss dispenser that has a sponge tonguepad mounted to the head of the toothbrush for tongue cleaning.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a disposabletoothbrush assembly with various toothpastes and gels with mini breathfreshener crystals and a dental floss dispenser with a firmly fitting,durable brush cover as an appurtenance to the toothbrush body to protectit from airborne germs and bacteria when not in use.

It is still another object to provide a disposable toothbrush assemblyintegral with various toothpastes and gels with mini breath freshenercrystals and a dental floss dispenser that is built into the base of thetoothbrush body for easy accessibility and use.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a disposabletoothbrush assembly with various toothpastes and gels with mini breathfreshener crystals and a dental floss dispenser that possess a simpleand scalable design.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a disposabletoothbrush assembly with various toothpastes and gels with mini breathfreshener crystals and a dental floss dispenser that is fabricated oflightweight materials providing an appropriate degree of flexibility,resiliency, durability, and longevity.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a disposabletoothbrush assembly with various toothpastes and gels with mini breathfreshener crystals and a dental floss dispenser that may be economicallymanufactured and sold to provide for widespread use and disposability.

These and other objects are accomplished by the present invention, whichis a disposable toothbrush assembly integral with various toothpastesand gels with mini breath freshener crystals and a dental flossdispenser. The toothbrush assembly comprises a brush head assemblyconnected to an elongate tubular handle housing having a rotatable baseattached at the distal end. The brush head assembly comprises a brushhead with rows of bristles surrounded by a plurality of apertures, and ahollow stem. The rear surface of the brush head has an attached spongepad, for tongue cleaning. The hollow stem has a channel disposed along alongitudinal axis therein for fluid communication with the apertures inthe brush head on one end, and with the toothpaste/gel filled in thehousing on an opposing end. A non-toxic plastic coiled stem extends upfrom the top center of the base and a circular platform surrounds thestem. Turning the base activates the platform to move up the stem andpressurize the toothpaste/gel in the housing and propel it up thechannel and out through the apertures. A floss dispenser is convenientlyhoused in the base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention willbecome more apparent from the following detailed description of thepreferred embodiment and certain modifications thereof when takentogether with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the toothbrush assembly 1.

FIG. 2 is a side partial cross-sectional view of the toothbrush assembly1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective and side partial cross-sectional views,respectively of the present invention, which is a toothbrush assembly 1.The toothbrush assembly 1 comprises a brush head assembly 2 connected toan elongate tubular handle housing 3 having a rotatable base 4 attachedat the distal end. The brush head assembly 2 comprises a brush head 5having rows of bristles 6 surrounded by a plurality of apertures 7, andhollow stem 8 having a channel 9 formed therein. The channel 9 isdisposed along a longitudinal axis of the stem 8. The bristles 6 aremade of fiber and are full, thick, and criss-crossed with beveled edgesto facilitate effective and comfortable teeth cleaning. The bristles 6may be of any length that is appropriate for toothbrush bristles 6 (theyrange approximately 1-1½ cm in length). Bristles 6 of soft, medium, orhard configurations may be utilized. One end of the channel 9 is influid communication with the apertures 7 in the brush head 5, and anopposing end is in fluid communication with the interior of the handlehousing 3. Additionally, the rear surface of the brush head 5 has anattached sponge pad 11, for tongue cleaning. The pad 11 providesadditional means of ridding one's mouth of unwanted germs. The spongepad 11 can be made of closed cell foam or other sponge-like materialthat will absorb crust, mucus, and bacteria from a user's tongue. Tonguecleaning not only promotes good health and hygiene but also allows forfresh breath and restored taste buds. The American Dental Association(ADA) recommends tongue cleaning for better oral health.

One end of the channel 9 of the brush head 5 is in fluid communicationwith the toothpaste/gel in the housing 3. The housing 3 is filled withapproximately a 10-12 day supply of toothpaste/gel (assumingapproximately a pea-sized amount per brushing). The handle housing 3 istransparent to provide an indication of the amount of toothpaste/gelleft therein, and is further equipped with spaced rubberized annularribs 10 to provide a sure hand-grip. The ribs 10 are preferably locatedon the side of the housing 3 where the bristles 6 are located.

Any number of different types of toothpaste/gel may be stored anddispensed from the housing 3 to suit the needs/wants of the user,including: extra whitening, baking soda and peroxide, anti-cavityfluoride, and sensitive formula. Also, the gel preferably comprises minimint breath freshener crystals to provide quick, fresh breath afterusing the toothbrush assembly 1. Additionally, a number of flavors maybe infused into the paste/gel to suit every individual taste. Theseflavors may include: vanilla frost, apple cinnamon, spearmint, peach,sunburst orange flavor, very berry, tropical blend, bubble gum, andgrape.

The elongate tubular handle housing 3 has a rotatable base 4 mounted atthe distal end thereof. The top of the base 4 is defined by a radialshoulder 19 defining a plateau, with a spirally-defined coil stem 12protruding upward from the center. The stem 12 extends upwards in thehousing 3 until it sits beneath an opening of the channel 9. A circularplatform 13 sits initially atop the base 4, and platform 13 has anaperture 20 in the center to allow the stem 12 to pass through. Theplatform 13 rests at the bottom of the coiled stem 12 until the base 4is turned, therein rotating the coil stem 12 as a worm gear, at whichtime the platform 13 is urged upward along the coiled stem 13. Theworm-gear action derives from engagement of the platform 13 and thecoiled stem 12, the coiling of the stem 12 permitting rotational controlof the base 4 in the course of the gear-drive engagement.

Toothpaste/gel that is filled in the housing 3 surrounds the stem 12 andplatform 13. As the base 4 is turned, the platform 13 moves up thecoiled stem 12, and thereby pressurizes the toothpaste/gel, pushing itup the housing 3, through the channel 9, and out of the apertures 7 nearthe bristles 6 on the brush head 5. One full twist (360 degrees) of thebase 4 actuates the platform 13 such that it pressurizes thetoothpaste/gel and propels a volume of it needed for a single brushing(a pea-sized amount) upward and out through the apertures 7. The usermay further twist the base 4 around in increments of 360 degrees todispense additional paste/gel if desired. After turning the base 4, theplatform 13 stays at the height that it has moved up the coil 12.Turning the base 4 further will cause the platform 13 to move further upthe coil 12 until the coil 12 reaches the top of the housing 3 and allof the toothpaste/gel held therein is dispensed.

The spiral coil stem 12 is approximately ⅓ inch in diameter andapproximately 3.5 inches in length. The diameter of the aperture 20 inthe circular platform 13 is slightly greater than the diameter of thestem 12. This allows the platform 13 to fit closely around the stem 12and yet allow the platform 13 to move up the coiled stem 12 when thebase 4 is rotated. The diameter of the platform 13 is slightly less thanthe diameter of the housing 3 such that the platform 13 abuts the sidesof the housing 3 as the platform 13 pushes the paste/gel up through thehousing 3.

The distal end of the housing 3 includes a bottom wall 24 slightlyrecessed from a rim 25, which provides a bearing surface against radialshoulder 19 of the base 4. The center of the wall 24 is interrupted byan opening 27. The stem 12 and platform 13 surrounding it are bothinserted through the opening 27 when connecting the housing 3 and base 4together.

The base 4 has a compartment 14 defined at the lower end thereof forhousing a floss dispenser 15. A panel 21 covers the compartment 14. Thecenter portion of the panel 21 is preferably formed of clear plasticwhile the remaining portion of the panel 21 is opaque plastic. The flossdispenser 15 comprises a spool 16 of dental floss wound around it, aspindle 17, and an aperture 18 in the base 4. The spool 16 is rotatablymounted on the spindle 17, which extends vertically and is attached toboth ends of the compartment 14 in the base 4. The center portion of thepanel 21 allows for viewing of the spool 16 and spindle 17. Directlynext to the distal end of the spindle 17 is an aperture 18 through whichthe floss 17 is dispensed. A free end of the floss extends out throughthe aperture 18 to the exterior of the base 4. The aperture 18 has asharp rim so that a user may pull the desired length of floss out andthen over the rim to cut it. Any type and flavor of dental floss may beutilized include minted wax floss. The toothbrush assembly 1 comprises a10-12 day supply of floss (approximately 20′).

The housing 3 may be injection molded with a channel 9 in the brush head5 and an opening 27 in the distal end for attachment of the base 4. Thebase 4, coiled stem 12, and platform 13 can also be injection molded.The toothpaste/gel is filled into the housing 3 through the opening 27in the distal end. The stem 12 and surrounding platform 13 are bothinserted through the opening 27 when connecting the housing 3 and base 4together. The base 4 and housing 3 are connected via an interferencefit.

The brush assembly 1 may be packaged to firmly fit within a durablebrush cover 30, which serves to protect the assembly 1 from airbornegerms and bacteria when not in use. The brush cover 30 can be molded.The brush assembly 1 and cover 30 can be constructed of polymericmaterial, and may be opaque, clear, or translucent. Lettering may beprinted onto the housing 3 and/or cover 30 to provide commerciallyidentifying information and visually enhance the appearance. The cover30 may be imprinted with specific graphics and/or text message indiciato convey source of goods. Alternatively the graphics/text messageindicia may be flat roll died or embossed.

The entire toothbrush assembly measures approximately 7.5 inches inlength and 1¼ inch in width.

The lightweight, compact toothbrush assembly 1 provides users with atoothbrush, toothpaste/gel with breath freshener, and dental floss allin one convenient unit. The assembly 1 is easy to use and makes oralhygiene during travel or at home quicker and more efficient. Theassembly 1 can be manufactured in a variety of colors to suit anyindividual's taste. Additionally, the assembly 1 may be discarded wheneither the toothbrush/gel and/or the floss are depleted.

The above described disposable toothbrush assembly 1 is preferablyfabricated of polyethylene. The plastic spiral coil and all othercomponents are non-toxic. One skilled in the art will understand thatany materials possessing an appropriate amount of flexibility,resiliency, and durability may be used for the toothbrush assembly 1 andbrush cover 30.

As is evident from the above disclosure, the device 1 of the presentinvention possesses a simple, yet scalable design that may beeconomically manufactured and sold to provide for widespread use. Thedevice 1 utilizes lightweight materials chosen to provide theappropriate degree of flexibility, resiliency, durability, longevityrequired by the nature of its usage, and yet its cost is minimal toallow for inexpensive manufacturing and ready disposal.

Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiments and certainmodifications of the concept underlying the present invention, variousother embodiments as well as certain variations and modifications of theembodiments herein shown and described will obviously occur to thoseskilled in the art upon becoming familiar with said underlying concept.It is to be understood, therefore, that the invention may be practicedotherwise than as specifically set forth in the appended claims.

1. A toothbrush assembly comprising: a brush head assembly furthercomprising: a brush head having rows of bristles surrounded by aplurality of apertures in said head; and a hollow stem having a channeldisposed along a longitudinal axis of said stem, wherein said channelhas two ends, further wherein one end of said channel is in fluidcommunication with said apertures; an elongate tubular handle housingconnected to said hollow stem, wherein said handle housing is in fluidcommunication with an opposing end of said channel; and a rotatable baseattached to distal end of said handle housing, further comprising: aspirally-defined coil attached at top of said base; a circular platform,wherein said coil passes through center of said platform; and acompartment defined at the lower end of said base, wherein a dentalfloss dispenser resides in said compartment.
 2. A toothbrush assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein a sponge pad is attached to rear surfaceof said brush head for tongue cleaning.
 3. A toothbrush assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein said tubular handle housing is filled withdentifrice.
 4. A toothbrush assembly according to claim 3, wherein saiddentifrice incorporates mini breath freshener crystals.
 5. A toothbrushassembly according to claim 1, wherein a durable brush coverencapsulates said toothbrush assembly.
 6. A toothbrush assemblyaccording to claim 5, wherein said brush cover comprises visual indiciato provide commercially identifying information and visually enhanceappearance of said assembly.
 7. A toothbrush assembly according to claim5, wherein said brush head, hollow stem, tubular handle housing,rotatable base, and durable brush cover all comprise non-toxic moldedplastic components for cost-effective mass production.
 8. The toothbrushassembly according to claim 7, wherein said tubular handle housing ismolded substantially of transparent or translucent plastic to provide anindication of the amount of said dentifrice remaining in said housing.9. The toothbrush assembly according to claim 8, wherein said tubularhandle housing further comprises a series of spaced rubberized annularribs to provide a sure gripping surface.
 10. The toothbrush assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein said floss dispenser comprises a spindle,a spool of dental floss rotatably mounted on said spindle, and anaperture at bottom of said base through which said floss is dispensed.11. The toothbrush assembly according to claim 10, wherein said spindleextends vertically in said compartment and is attached to top and distalends of said compartment.
 12. The toothbrush assembly according to claim11, wherein a panel covers said compartment, further wherein center ofsaid panel is formed of clear plastic to allow viewing of said spindleand spool of said floss.
 13. The toothbrush assembly according to claim1, wherein top of said base is defined by a radial shoulder defining aplateau, wherein said spirally-defined coil protrudes upward from centerof said radial shoulder.
 14. The toothbrush assembly according to claim13, wherein distal end of said housing includes a rim and a bottom wallslightly recessed from said rim, wherein said rim provides a bearingsurface against said radial shoulder of said base.
 15. The toothbrushassembly according to claim 14, wherein center of said bottom wall isinterrupted by an opening, wherein said stem and platform are insertedthrough said opening upon connecting said base and housing together. 16.The toothbrush assembly according to claim 15, wherein dentifrice isejected up said housing, through said channel, and out of said apertureswhen said dentifrice is urged by said platform upon turning of saidbase.
 17. The toothbrush assembly according to claim 16, wherein saidplatform moves upward along said spirally-defined coil upon turning ofsaid base.